3 Ways To Turn Shoveling Snow Into A Workout

3 ways to turn shoveling snow into a workout is the perfect mindset as we welcomed tons of snow in North East. We had the opportunity this almost snow-free winter to break out our shovels as we experienced winter wonderland in display. When you hear snow shoveling, workout doesn’t come to mind and definitely not family bonding!

Our school district announced the day before that the children should use that day as a snow day and we couldn’t be happier, especially our daughters. This was giving us a sense of normal in the midst of all the busyness. Once snow started to fall, we could barely get our two youngest daughters to stay still because they were excited to go outside.

3 ways to turn shoveling snow into a workout is about understanding how to clear the driveway in the safest possible way. We had to explain to our girls to wait a bit for most of the snow fall to clear so that we can go outside. We do our best to get our girls involved into shoveling snow before they can reward themselves with some snow fun.

Here are the 3 ways to turn shoveling snow into a workout to maintain the proper form and avoid any risk of injury:

Work out the right muscles

According to American Council on Exercise, exercising in cold weather generally isn’t a problem for young and active individuals. The risk, however, significantly increases as a person reaches middle age and beyond. Proper snow footwear will help prevent slips and falls on snow or ice and ensure safe footing. The neck, shoulders, and low back in are the muscles you need to work with to stabilize your body as you shovel snow.

It’s important to keep your knees slightly bent at all times as Hubby reminded so that you take tension off your lower back. Snow shoveling encourages you to keep your core engaged and work those glutes and hamstrings.

Hold the shovel correctly

The amount of muscular effort required in shovelling depends on the total weight of the shovel, the weight of the load it carries, how far the load is from the shoveller’s body, and where the hands are placed on the handle.

According Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, the load lifted should be adjusted according to the shovelling rate. For a high rate of shovelling (about 15 scoops per minute) the total weight (weight of a shovel plus a shovel load) should not exceed 10 to 15 lbs. For higher weights, a lower rate of scoops per minute is suggested (e.g., 15 lbs for 6 to 8 scoops per minute). In addition, the need for precise placement of the load decreases the amount to be lifted because it takes more time and effort to aim the load at a selected location.

To have better control of the load, remember to keep a wide grip on the shovel handle, with one hand near the top of the handle and the other close to the actual shovel full of snow, and keep the shovel as close to your body as possible as you carry it.

Make it a family workout

One of our family rules is to do chores together as much as possible to lighten the load for each other. We are training our daughters to be ready to be on their own without worrying if they know how to cook, clean or shovel if needed. In the name of work before reward, we all got out after the snow stopped falling and made it a family bonding time.

Each of the girls have their own shovel and upon hearing instructions from our in-house fitness trainer aka Hubby about shoveling snow properly, we got ready to work our glutes, hamstrings, quads, abs, low back, upper back, and shoulders. We made the best of a double-duty chore and up the fitness factor. I think Hubby and I reaped the benefits of working out our core, strength and cardio all wrapped up in three.

As you can read, 3 ways to turn shoveling snow into a workout, if done properly, can help family come together and burn some calories while enjoying the great outdoors. I am thankful for those WELLthy MOMents when we see the wonder through our children’s eyes and connect on a meaningful way. I encourage you to maximize moments with your children to turn dreadful chores or cold weather activities into family fun memories. That’s what it’s all about and you will not regret it!